Flights to Japan | The Japan Guides

Japan has two major international gateways and several regional airports that accept overseas flights. Understanding which airport to fly into — and which to fly out of — can shape the structure and cost of your entire trip.

Japan’s Main International Airports

Tokyo Narita (NRT) is the primary international airport for Tokyo and handles the majority of long-haul flights. It sits about 60 km east of central Tokyo, connected by the Narita Express (roughly 60 minutes to Tokyo Station) and the Access Express/Skyliner to Ueno and Nippori.

Tokyo Haneda (HND) is much closer to central Tokyo — only about 15 km south — and has expanded its international terminal significantly. Many airlines now offer direct flights into Haneda, which saves considerable transfer time. The Tokyo Monorail and Keikyu Line connect Haneda to central Tokyo in 15-30 minutes.

Osaka Kansai (KIX) is the main airport for western Japan, serving Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. It sits on a man-made island in Osaka Bay, connected to central Osaka by the Haruka Express (approximately 50 minutes to Shin-Osaka) and the Nankai Rapi:t (about 35 minutes to Namba).

Other international airports: Nagoya Chubu (NGO) serves central Japan. Fukuoka (FUK) handles flights from across Asia and is useful for Kyushu. New Chitose (CTS) near Sapporo serves Hokkaido with connections to several Asian cities.

Airlines Serving Japan

From the UK, British Airways, Japan Airlines (JAL), and All Nippon Airways (ANA) fly direct from London Heathrow to Tokyo. Virgin Atlantic also operates London-Tokyo services. Direct flight time is approximately 11.5-12 hours eastbound and 12-13 hours westbound.

From the US, direct flights operate from Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Houston (IAH), Seattle (SEA), Honolulu (HNL), and several other cities. JAL, ANA, United, Delta, American Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines cover these routes. Flight time from Los Angeles is approximately 11-12 hours; from New York, approximately 14 hours.

From Asia, nearly every major Asian carrier connects to Japan. Korean Air and Asiana from Seoul (just 2.5 hours), multiple Chinese carriers, Cathay Pacific from Hong Kong, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, and many budget carriers including Peach, Jetstar Japan, and Spring Airlines.

JAL and ANA are Japan’s two full-service carriers, both consistently ranked among the world’s best for service, punctuality, and in-flight meals.

Best Time to Book for Deals

Japan has two peak travel seasons: cherry blossom season (late March to mid-April) and autumn colours (late October to November). Golden Week (late April to early May) and the Obon holiday (mid-August) also drive prices up sharply.

The cheapest fares appear for January (after New Year), early February, and June — the rainy season keeps demand lower, though Hokkaido and Okinawa still attract visitors during this period.

For long-haul flights, we recommend booking 4 to 6 months ahead for peak seasons and 2 to 3 months ahead for off-peak. Return flights from London to Tokyo range from approximately £550-750 in off-season to £1,200+ during cherry blossom season as of 2026. Returns from Los Angeles start at approximately $550-700 off-peak, rising to $1,100+ in peak periods as of 2026.

Consider connecting flights. One-stop options via Seoul (Korean Air/Asiana), Taipei (EVA Air), or Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific) can be £200-300 cheaper than direct flights, with a 2-4 hour layover. Chinese carriers often have the lowest fares but longer layovers.

Domestic Flights Within Japan

Japan’s domestic flight network is extensive. JAL, ANA, and budget carriers Peach, Jetstar Japan, and Spring Japan connect all major cities. Key domestic routes include:

Tokyo to Osaka: About 1 hour 15 minutes, though the Shinkansen (2.5 hours) is often preferred once airport time is factored in
Tokyo to Sapporo: About 1 hour 40 minutes — flying is the clear winner here
Tokyo to Fukuoka: About 2 hours, comparable to the Shinkansen (5 hours)
Tokyo to Okinawa (Naha): About 2 hours 45 minutes — no train alternative

Domestic one-way fares with budget carriers start from approximately ¥4,000-6,000 (roughly $25-40) if booked well ahead as of 2026. JAL and ANA offer “Visit Japan” airfares for foreign passport holders — multi-flight domestic passes starting from approximately ¥5,500 per flight as of 2026, which represent excellent value for covering large distances.

Budget Tips

Fly open-jaw. Arrive in Tokyo and depart from Osaka (or vice versa) to avoid doubling back. This pairs well with a Japan Rail Pass and costs no more than a standard return on most airlines.

Use Haneda over Narita when possible. The shorter, cheaper transfer to central Tokyo saves both time and yen. Check if your airline offers a Haneda option before defaulting to Narita.

Book during sales. JAL and ANA run periodic international sales (often in January and September). Budget Asian carriers like Peach and Jetstar Japan run flash sales regularly.

Travel midweek. Tuesday to Thursday departures are typically the cheapest. Avoid flying on Japanese public holidays — there are 16 per year, and domestic capacity tightens considerably.

Compare Kansai as an alternative entry point. Flights into Osaka can be cheaper than Tokyo, and Kansai gives immediate access to Kyoto, Nara, and western Japan.

Protect your flights: FlightRights checks whether you’re owed compensation for delays or cancellations — no upfront fees, no-win-no-fee. Travel insurance for Japan covers what compensation schemes don’t — medical costs, trip interruption, and lost luggage.

Getting from the Airport to the City Centre

Narita → Tokyo Station: The Narita Express (N’EX) takes about 60 minutes and costs approximately ¥3,250 as of 2026. The Access Express to Asakusa takes about 55 minutes for ¥1,290. Shared shuttle buses run to major hotels for approximately ¥3,200.

Haneda → central Tokyo: The Keikyu Line reaches Shinagawa in about 15 minutes for ¥300 as of 2026. The Tokyo Monorail reaches Hamamatsucho in about 18 minutes for ¥500. Taxis to central Tokyo cost approximately ¥5,000-8,000.

Kansai → Osaka/Kyoto: The Haruka Express reaches Shin-Osaka in about 50 minutes (¥2,380 as of 2026) and Kyoto Station in about 75 minutes (¥3,430). The Nankai Rapi:t reaches Namba in about 35 minutes for ¥1,450. Buses to Kyoto take approximately 85 minutes for ¥2,600.

For all airports, public transport is fast, reliable, and a fraction of the cost of a taxi. If you are travelling with heavy luggage, arriving late at night, or prefer a door-to-door service, Welcome Pickups offers fixed-price private transfers from Narita, Haneda, and Kansai airports.

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Flights to Japan — Booking Tips, Airlines & Best Deals